The performance of organophilic clay on nonaqueous phase liquid contaminated sediments under anisotropic consolidation

Mustafa B. Erten, Danny D. Reible, Robert B. Gilbert, Chadi S. El Mohtar

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Disturbance of a nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) contaminated sediment; for example the loading-induced consolidation after placement of a sediment cap, may result in the release of the NAPL. Organophilic clays are reported as effective media in adsorbing NAPLs and organic contaminants. Consolidation tests were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of placement of an organophilic clay layer to capture any such displaced NAPL. NAPL contaminated specimens were tested in a modified triaxial setup under anisotropic loading conditions. Kaolinite was used to represent the sediment solid phase and Soltrol 130 (a type of mineral oil) was used to represent the NAPL. The tests with no organophilic clay showed that higher NAPL saturation resulted in a stiffer soil matrix, which reduced NAPL expulsion. The more organophilic clay was used, the less NAPL release was observed. For the conditions of this study, no NAPL breakthrough was observed, when the initial NAPL saturation of kaolinite was 28% with a layer of organophilic clay on top. The adsorption capacity of organophilic clay with this oil was approximated as 1.2 ml (0.93 g) per 1 g of organophilic clay solids. Organophilic clay reached its full adsorption capacity independent of the volume and rate of NAPL expulsion during consolidation. These data provide guidance to estimate the quantity of organophilic clay needed for site-specific applications.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationContaminated Sediments, 5th Volume
Subtitle of host publicationRestoration of Aquatic Environment
PublisherASTM International
Pages32-44
Number of pages13
ISBN (Print)9780803175402
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
EventASTM International Symposium of Contaminated Sediments: Restoration of Aquatic Environment - Montreal, QC, Canada
Duration: May 23 2012May 25 2012

Publication series

NameASTM Special Technical Publication
Volume1554 STP
ISSN (Print)0066-0558

Conference

ConferenceASTM International Symposium of Contaminated Sediments: Restoration of Aquatic Environment
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMontreal, QC
Period05/23/1205/25/12

Keywords

  • Contamination
  • NAPL
  • Organophilic
  • Sediment

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